Making a makerspace case for academic libraries in Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 568-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Nneka Okpala
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Maker Movement ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Nigerian University ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Current Journal

Purpose This paper aims to give a highlight on the concept of makerspace and its perceived benefits in academic libraries in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The searches encompass current journal articles, books, newspapers, magazines, personal experiences on the concept of makerspace, 3D-printing and technologies in libraries. Practical examples of libraries that already have makerspaces in operation were sourced. Findings Findings of this study create awareness of benefits, challenges and strategies for developing and managing makerspaces in Nigerian academic libraries, using Zenith Library as a hypothetical sample. Research limitations/implications Only the proposal guide has been drafted. There is need for more investigations on the awareness of, and plan to adopt makerspace technologies in Nigerian academic libraries. Practical implications Librarians need to appreciate the makerspace technologies and forge ahead in establishing makerspace in strategic areas of their libraries which should serve as a meeting point for all users in the university community, and for the sharing of innovative ideas. Social implications There is need for a paradigm shift in Nigerian university libraries, hence the shift in librarians’ thinking and approach to find their place in the new maker movement. Originality/value The originality of the paper lies in its justification for establishing makerspace in Nigerian academic libraries alongside the drafted proposal which has been designed to serve as a guide to libraries in Nigeria, as no makerspace has been documented to be existing in any Nigerian library.

Leadership in challenging times of academic libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-149
Author(s):  
Mohammad Aslam
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Library Leadership ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the key challenges of academic libraries in times of changing nature of higher education system and how library leaders can manage the challenges when effective leadership is highly required for academic libraries today. As the time is changing, the kinds of challenges that library leaders face have also changed. Author of this study explores the methods and approaches, which are more effective ways of managing challenges in the reshaping environment of academic libraries. At the same time, change has become a permanent part of academic libraries and they need leaders who are able to lead and manage change efficiently, bring theories into practices, find innovative solutions to challenges, creative thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative mindset and self-motivators. Design/methodology/approach The selective publications have been reviewed to find the best ways to leading changes and managing challenges in academic libraries. The approaches and methods in this study are based on personal experiences of author as director of the university libraries and experiences of library leadership worldwide are conversed. Findings Academic libraries are facing similar challenges around the world. The author found that academic library leadership needs innovative skills and competencies, effective communication abilities and a new way of thinking to deal with challenges and create willingness to adapt the changes. Kotter’s leadership manage change model may apply for creating and implementing organizational change in academic libraries. Originality/value Literature on this topic is comparatively limited. Consequently, this manuscript adds value to the publications of library and information sciences and offers the literature in the field of leadership challenges and manage change in the academic libraries. It also provides guidelines to academic library leadership universally, and how can leaders work with change effectively.

Innovation during crisis: exploring reaction of Swedish university libraries to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-375
Author(s):  
Serdar Temiz ◽  
Lakshmi Pradip Salelkar
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
The University

Purpose While universities are using more digital tools such as learning management systems (canvas, blackboard, etc). or massive open online courses (MOOCS) such as MIT, OpenCourseWare, edX, Coursera, digitalization has also influenced university libraries. Digital services of academic libraries need exploration on how they provide digital services and how they respond to COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore and map digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research approach is used in this study. Through a Web search, data was gathered from all 39 universities in Sweden through two means: visiting university and their respective library websites; examination of other documents provided by the university such as press releases, announcements. Evaluation of the content and digital services and libraries response to COVID-19 is conducted by thematic coding. Findings In response to the ongoing COVID-19 spread, a general trend seen among all is limited working hours, shutting down physical libraries for general public, unmanning operations. All 39 number of universities in Sweden have moved their offerings toward using online tools. The main themes that have been identified from our study are as follows: Availability of Information, Accessibility of resources, Collaboration with other actors, Increased use of existing services, motivation and support to practice social distancing. Research limitations/implications Owing to the limitations of COVID-19 conditions, time and other aspects, there was not any opportunity to visit the university libraries or book time to interview librarians or students, which led to limited level and imperfect research. There are many other activities that university libraries are offering to their employees and using their internal newsletters and email groups to reach their audience; as a result, some of digital services that are offered during COVID-19 might have not been noticed. Practical implications These findings can provide base to other universities on how to react to COVID-19 and bring more discussion. Social implications COVID-19 has big social impact on people. The findings present that libraries can go beyond their responsibilities and provide emotional and psychological support the community towards social distancing such as videos, social online meetings, live video workshops. Originality/value The findings from this study call for a review digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden, so that best reactions and services could be understood.

Strategies for sustainable services in academic libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 298-307
Author(s):  
Dianne Cmor
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Services ◽  
Technological University ◽  
Structured Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore distinctive yet simple strategies for sustainability in academic libraries focussing on structured communication templates for stakeholders, pre-planned daily programming, and regularized, self-sustaining staff development. Design/methodology/approach Case study of unique strategies implemented at Nanyang Technological University Libraries. Findings Each of the three strategies has been successfully launched though they are at various stages of maturity. The first two strategies (structured communication templates and daily programming) have been implemented quite recently, whereas the staff development programme has been running for some time. Findings indicate that sustainability in all of these cases is directly linked to good planning which either minimizes daily, weekly or monthly work, and/or helps to clarify goals and focus action. Practical implications These strategies are feasible, transferable, malleable, and impactful such that other academic libraries with varying staffing structures can adopt and adjust them to their local needs. Originality/value Implementing simple sustainable services and strategies can have real impact and can provide alternatives to large-scale projects that may be too resource intensive for many to undertake on a regular basis.

scholarly journals The assessment of quality maturity levels in Nigerian university libraries

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 399-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halima Egberongbe ◽  
Barbara Sen ◽  
Peter Willett
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
Nigerian University

Purpose Organizations constantly evaluate their activities to ensure that they are attaining their management goals. Maturity assessment enables organizations to examine their capabilities, support innovation and evaluate development. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the maturity statuses of a selection of Nigerian university libraries in a study to investigate their quality management (QM) approaches. The study provides recommendations for means to attain the required statuses in academic library development. Design/methodology/approach The study involved a multisite case study in which interviews were conducted with 15 university librarians (or their representatives) and ten focus groups were conducted with non-management library staff. The resulting qualitative data were analyzed using an aspect of framework analysis – charting, while a maturity model from the field of project management (Prince 2 Maturity Model, P2MM) was used to assess maturity in QM of the libraries. Findings The results of the maturity assessment indicate a basic knowledge of the concept of QM implementation among the libraries. The scores obtained on the P2MM capability scale placed the libraries studied mainly on Level 1 (awareness level) of the model. Practical implications This paper demonstrates that the culture of QM in academic libraries in Nigeria is at a low level with considerable potential for development. It is suggested that future adoption of quality maturity models to assess performance and organizational effectiveness would aid improvements for value-added services. Originality/value This is the first study to attempt the assessment of quality maturity levels in Nigerian academic libraries for identification of the organization’s positioning in QM and strategy.

Mobile services at academic libraries: meeting the users’ needs?

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 336-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catharine Bomhold
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Research Universities ◽  
Mobile Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Carnegie Foundation ◽  
Mobile Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how academic libraries in the USA have responded to the rapidly evolving mobile environment and to determine if there is a noticeable, comprehensive pattern to instituting mobile services. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher surveyed library mobile services of 73 academic libraries at Carnegie Foundation rated RU/VH institutions. Based on this survey, the paper describes the current state of mobile services at very high research universities. Findings – While most academic libraries at research universities have some sort of mobile presence, what is offered is highly varied and is not predictable. There are still many notable University libraries that have no mobile presence. Practical implications – This study highlights the inconsistent nature of mobile services at research universities and identifies best practices in place at others. Originality/value – This is the first study to employ the Carnegie Foundation ratings of the university in which the library functions.

University of Alberta Libraries Interlibrary Loan Department – Creating new relationships, locally and globally

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-126
Author(s):  
CJ de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Delivery Service ◽  
University Library ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the value and benefits from newly developed relationships between the University of Alberta Libraries’ Interlibrary Loan Department and other institutions through the delivery of new services. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a descriptive review of the new services provided, including a centralized interlibrary loan service for members of the NEOS Consortium and an article delivery service for Can Tho University Library (Vietnam), an overview of the implementation of the services and a discussion of the value and benefits created. Findings A single-point of intake for interlibrary loan requests for a group of academic libraries can be implemented successfully with few drawbacks, providing benefits to all the participants. An article delivery service to an institution that provides no interlibrary loan services provides value through access to new resources and demonstrates not to be a burden on the provider; yet, this paper demonstrates that the primary value is in learning about their patrons’ needs. Practical implications Other institutions could replicate these services and relationships. Originality/value Single-point of intake for interlibrary loan in academic consortial environments has neither been demonstrated in the literature nor has any component of interlibrary loan been described to support international initiatives to assist libraries in disadvantaged countries.

Initiatives towards formation of academic library consortium in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 102-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsah Mohd ◽  
Rosnah Yusof ◽  
Rohaya Umar
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Year 2000 ◽  
Ministry Of Higher Education ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to report on several initiatives towards formation of national consortium among academic libraries in Malaysia. The consortium focused on subscription of online databases. Design/methodology/approach – In July 2004, CDC on behalf of PERPUN members made several initiatives towards formation of national consortium of Malaysian academic libraries. Proposal paper on the formation of the consortium has been submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education. Through “loose consortia” formed, CDC and later known as Malaysian Online E-Resources Consortium (MOLEC) succeeded in negotiating for subscription of online databases and was able to get financial aid from the Ministry of Education to subscribe several databases since 2002. Findings – A commercial databases committee (CDC) was formed in year 2000 as a platform for academic libraries to evaluate, select, negotiate and manage the online databases. Complications involved in online databases subscriptions such as cost increase, license agreement, various formats of usage statistics, merger and takeover of publishers have made PERPUN (Malaysian Standing Conference of National and University Libraries) realize that there is a need for a formal consortium to be formed. Research limitations/implications – An improved service was established for the benefit of the academic libraries in Malaysia. Practical implications – A more coordinated approach to consortial dealings is being established in Malaysia. Originality/value – This is a report on the process and outcomes.

Income‐generating activities: a viable financial source for African academic libraries?

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benzies Y. Boadi
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Responsibility ◽  
Current State ◽  
Income Generating Activities ◽  
The University ◽  
National Governments

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the current state of financial support of African university libraries, and explore non‐traditional methods of providing funding for them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a comparative look at the funding pattern of library and information services in Africa, particularly academic libraries, over the past two decades.FindingsThe paper finds that the national governments, the main financial providers, are usually held liable for the continuing inadequacy of the financial support and are, therefore, seen as having ignored their financial responsibility toward libraries. This financial neglect negatively impacts the quality of services provided by the university libraries and, consequently, the quality of teaching and research programs at the universities served by them.Originality/valueAs a possible way of breaking away from the complete and absolute reliance on government funding which has proved to be unreliable, alternative ways of funding are suggested. These include information consultancy and brokerage services and other income‐generating activities.

A survey of e-book interlibrary loan policy in US academic libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Zhu ◽  
Lan Shen
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Interlibrary Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to reveal the perceived barriers to e-book interlibrary loan (ILL) and their reflections on academic libraries’ ILL/lending policies. Academic libraries in the USA have witnessed an impressive growth in acquiring e-journals and e-books. Although ILL of e-journal articles has become a standard practice, ILL of copyrighted e-books does not appear to be equally common. E-book ILL is often considered difficult or nearly impossible because restrictions for ILL are embedded in license agreements (or terms of use) and reinforced by technological measures. Design/methodology/approach – The study opted for a telephone survey method, in which researchers collected data on ILL/lending policies about e-journals and e-books in 200 randomly selected academic libraries in the USA. Findings – The findings show the state of e-books in US academic libraries and demonstrate the slow adoption of e-book ILL compared to e-journal ILL. Licensing restrictions and lack of technical means are the major obstacles perceived by librarians, but there may also be a barrier of perception. Research limitations/implications – The survey data do not necessarily provide explanations. In-depth interviews may be needed to explain the barriers and perceptions. Practical implications – This paper reveals important perceptions and facts about e-book ILL in academic libraries and analyzes the obstacles and restrictions on e-book. Originality/value – This paper provides empirical data on the status of e-book ILL.

Resource sharing challenges and prospects in Nigerian university libraries

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Anasi ◽  
Hussaini Ali
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Automation ◽  
Slow Progress ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Ict Development ◽  
Nigerian University ◽  
Descriptive Survey

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers to effective resource sharing among academic libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachProfessional librarians from six randomly selected federal university libraries representing the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria were surveyed using a descriptive survey research design. Questionnaires were sent to 124 librarians; 85 were returned and found to be usable, for a response rate of 68.5 per cent.FindingsThe study revealed that the prospect for resource sharing among university libraries in Nigeria is high. However, factors that hinder effective resource sharing include inadequate funding, a dearth of skilled librarians, power outages, an absence of web‐accessible OPACs, uneven development of libraries, and slow progress of library automation. It is recommended that each university library have a specific annual budget allocation for ICT development and maintenance and for training of librarians to pilot resource sharing projects.Originality/valueThis paper presents resource‐sharing challenges facing academic libraries in Nigeria. It encourages information professionals to embark on capacity building for effective resource sharing. This paper was prepared for the 12th Interlending and Document Supply Conference, held in September 2011.

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